Does your Surgery Alert You When You Need a New Coil?

[IDismyname]

I happened to be at the docs the other day about something else... I said, (as I was getting up to leave), that I'd had spotting recently.

Oh, she says, looking at my notes - Yes, you need a new coil - the one you have in runs out in June.

So I make an appointment for new coil to be fitted, and now have to wait for 2 weeks with no sex. DH not happy, as during the 2 weeks, we've already had wedding anniversary and we're due to go away for a bit of R+R next week. He's v grumpy. (yeah, yeah, I know we could use condoms... BUT...)

As its 5 years between coils (ie not so easy to put in your diary), would it not have been a good idea to have received a note from surgery to say that "my time was up"?

Does anyone else get a call or a letter?

I got a letter to tell me it was due to be changed.

Then spent ten minutes on the phone explaining that I was over due a smear too and wanted them both doing, and No, I don't want two separate appointments to come and have people ferreting about in my cervix thanks.

Yes they want to do coils on a period and yes they want to do smears mid cycle. But since I have a Mirena and don't have a flaming cycle they can just lump it

I was told I wouldnt get a reminder and that I would have to remember when it was due to be refitted. I was given a wee card with the date of insertion written on it and I keep it in my purse.

Yes, but it's 5 years, isn't it? I can remember one year, but 5!

Surely with their computerised systems, they could let people know.

Moaning

we don't let people know when they need a new one but do give out the card. trouble with an automatic recall os that if you go to family planning and have your coil out before it has expired we wouldn't know and it all gets complicated

Reported

A lot of people will change doctors, phone numbers, use a family planning clinic for contraception in that time and they would have to keep checking your notes. Could you not have written it down when you got it put in and kept it safe? And why not use condoms these 2 weeks? Or have sex without piv penetration?

Hi blue, I had no reminder, and I went to gp around time, who was really unhelpful about deciding on a new method, and said go away and think about it. They are right on your case about contraception after birth of child, but then no follow though. I also don't g et why a fp clinic couldn't send a letter to your gp tp update your record. . . And why gp is so useless about advice. Grumpgrump

My fpc give out a little leaflet with the 5 year date on it, they don't send out reminders.